After a two-week blackout, YouTube TV and Disney announced on Friday that they have reached a deal.
In addition to bringing Disney networks like ABC, ESPN and FX back to YouTube’s streaming TV service, the agreement ESPN will also make its new direct-to-consumer service available on YouTube TV at no additional cost. YouTube will also be able to sell select Disney networks and the Disney+/Hulu bundle as part of different packages.
In a statement, Disney Entertainment co-chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, along with ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro, described the deal as one that “recognizes the tremendous value of Disney’s programming and provides YouTube TV subscribers with more flexibility and choice.”
“We are pleased that our networks have been restored in time for fans to enjoy the many great programming options this weekend, including college football,” Disney executives added.
YouTube too released a statement On Friday, it said subscribers would see affected channels restored “over the course of the day.” The company also said: “We apologize for the disruption and appreciate our subscribers’ patience as we negotiated on their behalf.”
YouTube TV is intended to be a cable TV alternative to cord cutters, but like most cable TV providers, the service has had a number of disputes with major content providers – mostly over how much money they had to pay and how much flexibility it has to offer their content in different bundles.
The last time YouTube and Disney renegotiated in 2022, there was a similar (albeit significantly shorter) blackout. This time, YouTube offered customers a $20 credit to apply to their next bill.
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One study even suggested that as a result of the Disney blackout, 24% of the service’s more than 10 million subscribers said they have already canceled their subscription or plan to do so soon. (A YouTube spokesperson said actual churn was “manageable and not consistent with the findings of this study.”)
TechCrunch’s Amanda Silberling even said the blackout ruined her life because she had to play “Jeopardy!” Fortunately, her two-week nightmare is over.
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